The weight loss aid, which its manufacturers say could help adults lose 50 per cent more weight than by dieting alone, is on sale in pharmacies in Malta and Gozo.

The manufacturers say that for adults with a BMI of 28 kg/m² or more, alli, the name of the product, works by stopping some of the fat eaten from being absorbed into the body. They explain that for every two kilos they lose with a reduced calorie, lower-fat diet, alli can help users lose an extra one kilo.

"It is the first and only EU-licensed, clinically proven weight loss aid available in Malta without prescription," a spokesman for the importers said.

To support their weight loss and guide them towards their goals, alli purchasers are given a free starter guide, available from pharmacists, which includes a food diary, and also have free access to an online support programme of information and tools (www.alli.com.mt).

Consultant diabetologist and endocrinologist Antoine Schranz notes that obesity is a growing public health issue with the World Health Organisation, which called it a problem of epidemic proportions. Between 30 and 80 per cent of European adults are overweight, with an estimated 400 million European adults needing to lose weight. In Malta, over 60 per cent of the adult population is overweight (BMI 25-29.9) or obese (BMI ≥30), Dr Schranz adds.

Modest weight loss of 5-10 per cent of bodyweight brings significant improvements to physical health and emotional well-being. Mariosa Xuereb, a consultant cardiologist, points out that gradual weight loss has the best chance of success. For someone trying to lose weight, it is important that one sets realistic healthy weight loss targets, she says.

Monica Abdilla, country manager, Consumer Healthcare, from GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturers of alli, notes that alli is not a magic bullet. But she says it offers a clinically proven way to help people lose weight and has been well received by millions of people in the US since June 2007.